No. 17 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

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GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA Nº 17
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the most
action-packed destination to enjoy this summer
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city that has everything,
all year round. Whether it's January, March or the middle of
August, travellers will be enchanted by its ideal climate and
vibrant lifestyle, well known for its festivals, live shows, exhibitions
and events. For those who have culture, nature and
gastronomy on their minds this year, the capital of Gran Canaria
offers the perfect destination for an all-round holiday.
There is no shortage of arguments to convince visitors that
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the most comprehensive holiday
destination. The city is home to the best urban beach in
Europe, Las Canteras beach, the hub of the island’s capital
that comprises a fascinating range of terraces and restaurants.
Along with El Confital and La Puntilla, it is also the perfect
place for water sports such as diving, sailing and kayaking.
Not forgetting surfing, which attracts enthusiasts from
all over the world in search of the Atlantic waves that crash
into the city's coastline.
As well as offering wonderful seas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
is full of impressive walking routes, such as the Blue
Trail, which links the beaches of Las Canteras and El Confital
with the best views of the ocean, or the Guiniguada
Trail, which starts at the heart of the city in Triana, and winds
through natural surroundings as far as the Viera y Clavijo Botanical
Gardens, through unique natural spots where visitors
can immerse themselves in native Canary Island flora and
fauna.
The sea around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also offers
the perfect regatta course for Vela Latina Canaria, a historic
sailing sport, unique in the world, which can be enjoyed
throughout the summer on the south coast of the city and
which will linger long in the memory. The trade winds, cool
and constant in these months, as well as keeping the city
nice and cool, protected from any heat wave, are the protagonists
of these sea 'pegas' (competitions) and regattas,
where the most characteristic feature is the traditional boats
measuring about seven metres in length, with their huge
sail (12 to 13.5 metres) sailing upwind.
Puerto Deportivo
The sea and nature live side by side in a city that is always
full of life, a place where you can also visit some of the most
interesting museums and exhibitions, such as the Atlantic
Modern Art Centre (CAAM), which has just reopened its
doors after a refurbishment and exhibits works by the most
avant-garde artists; the Casa de Colón or Columbus Museum,
which depicts the navigator's passage through the city
on his voyages to America; the Museo Canario and the island's
aborigines; and the Castillo de Mata, an old fortress
converted into the City and Sea Museum. You may want to
lose yourself in the beautiful founding neighbourhoods of
Vegueta and Triana, as you explore the city’s centuries of history,
go shopping or savour the finest tapas, where boiled
salty potatoes, cheeses or mojo picón sauce are waiting to
delight even the most demanding palates.
Events not to be missed in July
For those who prefer to travel in July, the Santa Catalina Classics
Festival will be held on the 16th of July in the beautiful
gardens of the Hotel Santa Catalina, open to the city, and will
feature performances by the highly acclaimed tenor Juan
Diego Flórez, and the Oviedo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Another eye-catching event this month takes us to one of
the most popular neighbourhoods in the capital of Gran
Canaria, La Isleta, between the Port of Las Palmas and Las
Canteras beach. This unique and open neighbourhood celebrates
the Fiestas of El Carmen every July: salt carpets, religious
carvings on altars prepared by locals themselves in
their homes, a hustle and bustle of festivities and a lot of joy
that showcase the best of its character.
Parque Santa Catalina
Essential plans for August travellers
There is plenty going in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria throughout
the year. The San Lorenzo Firework Display is held on the
night of the 9th to 10th August, declared a Festival of Tourist
Interest in the Canary Islands due to its longevity and importance
on the island. This festivity is celebrated every year
with the burning of more than 300 kilos of gunpowder and
brings together thousands of people, illuminating the summer
sky simulating a real volcano as the fires are launched
from different altitudes all around. San Lorenzo is a small
rural village on the outskirts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
where it is always advisable to visit its agricultural market on
Sundays, its historic church and enjoy an enyesque (aperitif)
with typical Canarian products in the square. During the August
festivities it also celebrates its livestock fair.
The Estación Las Palmas de Gran Canaria event, from 12 to 21
August, is another great opportunity to experience the city.
The city offers tourist, leisure, cultural and gastronomic experiences
over 11 days, both outdoors and in hotels, including
food and wine tastings with sea views, concerts, workshops,
activities at sea and cycle rides. The programme is designed
for visitors who are looking to enjoy a wide range of the finest
summer experiences in a city that has almost everything.
Playa Las Alcaravaneras
For more information: http://lpavisit.com/es/